Consumers Energy Helps Customers Prepare for Winter with Energy-Saving Tips

Jackson, Mich. Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Michigan’s winter season is quickly approaching and that means more work for your furnace. With cooler temperatures on the horizon, Consumers Energy is providing customers with tips to keep their homes and businesses warm and cozy.

Cooler temperatures can mean an increase in natural gas use to heat the home. With minor adjustments, customers can manage energy use and keep costs low. By decreasing thermostat settings by just one degree, customers can save 1-3 percent on energy costs. Customers can sign up for a free home energy analysis to learn how their home uses energy and receive free product upgrades to help reduce energy use and maximize efficiency.

“Michiganders are no strangers to cold weather but with these simple, yet effective changes, customers can prepare for winter without compromising warmth and comfort,” said Lauren Snyder, Consumers Energy’s senior vice president and chief customer and growth officer. “We are dedicated to supporting our customers throughout this winter season and beyond.”

Consumers Energy offers several tools to help customers understand and manage their energy usage. The Energy Use Dashboard tracks daily, monthly, and yearly usage patterns and compares current energy use to previous periods, helping customers better understand changes in usage. Customers can receive rebates for upgrading to energy-efficient appliances and the use of a smart thermostat, which can help save up to $50 a year on heating and cooling costs.

Additional energy-saving tips include:

• Sealing windows/doors allowing warm air to be retained in the home
• Change or clean your furnace filter to ensure the furnace is working efficiently
• Set ceiling fans to rotate clockwise
• Open curtains or blinds to allow natural sunlight to heat your home

Customers in need of assistance with their energy bill can call 2-1-1 to be connected to nonprofit organizations in their area who can help process applications. Beginning October 1, enrollment for State Emergency Relief funds and the CARE program opens. For eligibility requirements, visit consumerenergy.com/assistance. Customers can also visit consumersenergy.com/save to learn more about programs and tools to help save money on energy bills.

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Media Contact: Megan Kirk, 947-957-3982 or megan.d.kirk@cmsenergy.com